Anger over delay in paramedics’ course

A GROUP of paramedics was due to begin administering life-saving drugs to ambulance patients this summer but a Department of Health cock-up has meant a three-month delay.

Ireland’s first 12-month training course in advanced paramedic skills had to be postponed, nine months after it began, because of the department’s failure to notify Brussels of planned changes to prescribing laws.

Former Health Minister Micheál Martin agreed to extend paramedic responsibilities in 2003 and a year later signed off on the regulations, which would allow senior ambulance workers to prescribe drugs.

But, eight months after the regulations had been signed off, they still had not been sent to Brussels by the department and the students were midway through their full-time course.

The regulations, which allow for changes to the Prescriptions Act, were eventually sent in May.

The European Commission must be informed of all Irish regulatory change and there is a three-month delay after informing Brussels before the regulations can become domestic law.

As a result, the 16 senior paramedics were informed in May that they would not be able to begin the fourth module of their course until September. They were due to finish by August.

Chairman of the Association of Ambulance Personnel, Pat Hanafin, said it showed the “ineptitude” of the department.

“It is ridiculous to say they forgot. Many of those on the course are ambulance training officers with families and making the decision to do the course in Dublin required a lot of forward planning,” he said.

“We fought hard for 12 years for this course and don’t need this kind of ineptitude.”

Sixteen paramedics began the course in September, while 16 more began in December. Another 16 were due to start in May but the course was postponed.

Director of the National Ambulance Training Board, Macarten Hughes, said they had completed a “significant proportion” of the course.

“The advanced practitioners will be allowed prescribe 25 types of medication. Their enhanced skills will mean much better management of patients as Irish patients can spend up to an hour in an ambulance after an emergency.

“In many cases, the early intake of these drugs can make a difference between life and death.”

A department spokesperson yesterday confirmed the course had to be postponed.

“It is expected that the three-month period will end in July.”

The course is likely to restart in September and practitioners can start using their skills in November.